Growing up in the digital world: How well are we preparing students?

Social media can help teenagers stay connected, discover interests and express themselves. However, the pressure to gain likes, followers and online approval can also influence self-esteem and emotional well-being.

Online harassment and cyberbullying add another layer of concern. Hurtful comments, circulation of private information and the sharing of embarrassing photographs can follow students beyond school hours.

Unlike face-to-face interactions, online incidents can spread rapidly, reach large audiences and leave a lasting digital footprint.

Artificial intelligence has introduced new challenges. AI-generated videos, manipulated photographs, impersonation and deepfakes can make misleading content appear authentic. Teenagers need to understand that digital content cannot always be taken at face value and that sharing unverified material can have serious consequences for others.

The challenge, therefore, is not simply to limit screen time. It is to help young people understand the emotional, social and ethical dimensions of their online behaviour.

Should Social Media Be Regulated or Banned for Teenagers?

Governments around the world are increasingly examining how children and teenagers can be protected online. Australia introduced minimum-age restrictions for accounts on few social media platforms. Malaysia has also introduced age-verification requirements for social media accounts from this year. These measures reflect growing international concern about the risks young users may face online.

While age limits and platform safeguards may reduce risks, they cannot replace the skills teenagers need to assess information, protect their privacy, recognise harmful behaviour and respond appropriately to online threats.

Students need to understand that online actions have real-world consequences. A forwarded message, an unverified video or a seemingly harmless comment can affect another person’s confidence, reputation and sense of safety.

The Role of Parents and Schools in Building Digital Resilience

Parents and schools have complementary roles in preparing teenagers for the digital world. Parents can establish reasonable boundaries around screen use, encourage healthy offline activities and maintain open conversations about online experiences. Teenagers are more likely to seek help when they feel they will be heard rather than immediately judged or punished.

Schools, meanwhile, can help students understand online behaviour through classroom discussions, student engagement activities, counselling support and expert-led awareness sessions.

Recognising the importance of these conversations, over the past one year, VIBGYOR Group of Schools has published blogs as well as conducted webinars.

In VIBGYOR’s Balewadi, Fursungi, Hinjewadi, Chinchwad, Navi Mumbai, Hennur and other VIBGYOR schools, these online sessions have been conducted with child experts to address online safety, navigating social media, fostering safety for adolescents and dealing with bullying and harassment. 

What Is the Way Forward?

Preparing teenagers for the digital world calls for collaboration rather than a single solution. Technology platforms must strengthen safeguards and provide accessible reporting mechanisms. Parents need practical guidance to support their children, while schools must continue to create opportunities for students to discuss online experiences, learn from real-world situations and practise responsible digital behaviour.

Students, too, should be encouraged to pause before sharing content, question what they see, respect other people’s boundaries and speak to a trusted adult when they encounter harassment or potentially harmful material. They should understand that seeking help is a sign of sound judgement, not weakness.

About VIBGYOR Group of Schools

Founded in 2004, VIBGYOR Group of Schools is a K–12 education network with a presence across multiple Indian cities. The Group offers educational pathways designed to support students through different stages of their learning journey, with an emphasis on academic development and the wider skills needed to navigate an evolving world.

Learn more about the VIBGYOR school curriculum and its approach to holistic development

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